eBay or online dealer for most of your coin purchases?
topstuf
Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
Which do YOU prefer?
I'm getting a bit of static for returning eBay purchases on another forum. :'(
I seldom buy any coins off eBay. Some...but not many.
I'd say probably 95+ % of my collection is from online purchases. A ...very... few from shows as our LOCAL shows seldom have anything special to offer.
Soo...... I principally use the online dealers for purchases for a few (what I think) are pertinent factors.
In my experience, with a dedicated dealer, it's safer to assume that an offering has passed his "test" of desirability and he/she has judged it to be worthy of an inventory investment.
I do realize that MANY online dealers also use eBay as a sales venue and if I see one of their listings on eBay, I usually contact THEIR website presence and do the deal through that. 
With eBay, I encounter more inconsistent pix and have more doubts of the experience of the sellers.
I....do... OCCASIONALLY.... "try" an eBay offering, but it is becoming more and more infrequent.
I...AM...returning too much from there.
My returns to online dealers is far less. We can disagree on a coin, but not usually. Plus, the online source is available by phone to discuss any issues.
So..... which do YOU prefer?
I'm making this a poll so you can make your opinion count without having to make an actual reply to this thread.
(I will not include BST in this question as that is entirely a different brand of fish 
)
Comments
Oh, incidentally I'm not speaking to the dealers who graze shows for inventory. Of COURSE they buy from shows as their experience tells them what to look for.
Just clarifying.
I buy 95%+ on ebay
Seeing in hand is priceless................
Most of what I have purchased in the last year has been from GC. Never needed to return anything.
It's shows and major auction houses for me. I used to buy a lot from an on-line dealer, but he seems to have dropped me for no good reason. I paid his prices and never returned a coin.
80% eBay. Most purchases through BIN within 24 hours of the item being listed. The rest 99c auctions.
I have also SOLD through GC and their pictures are accurate.
THAT helps a whole lot.
eBay, GC, coin forums and some numismatic/bullion purchases from local dealers in that order.
eBay is mightily pleased by this poll.
Congrats on the milestone 7777 posts.
I forgot to ante, too...... :'(
Technically, mostly Ebay, but most of that is for resale. Most of the stuff that I keep for my collection comes from other venues - Heritage, Stacks, GC and here.
mbogoman
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/classic-issues-colonials-through-1964/zambezi-collection-trade-dollars/7345Asesabi Lutho
Auctions, coin dealers at shows and coin stores in that order. Never Ebay or on-line dealers.
Louis Armstrong
Online dealers, shows and auctions in that order
Never on EBay
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I have a disadvantage buying from GC b/c I must spend at least $1500 to avoid the sales tax.
Major auctions, national shows, and major dealers. Very rarely on-line and never on FleaBag.
Member ANA, SPMC, SCNA, FUN, CONECA
I buy from where ever I find something I want!
Much depends upon the price of the coin in question. Raw coins on eBay are always a crapshoot IMHO, but there are finds to be had with a discerning eye. As to shows versus auctions, I find that at major coin shows the dealers want high retail. While they need to turn a profit and pay for all the various costs, it still comes out as high retail for me. If I find a stunning coin, I will buy from the dealer. Auctions in conjunction with major shows allow for the ability to hold the coin in hand before bidding. A definite plus. I like Heritage auctions due to their excellent photography of the coins with high resolution images. Yes, they tack on their high percentage, but you just have to factor that into the price.
For my online purchases, it really depends on the images. There are some outstanding, zoomable, images out there, and there are some terrible ones as well. Most dealers have a return policy, which is a definite plus, because most of us have encountered a coin that is just not represented well through imagery.
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
Mainly ebay but second is online dealers. Usually Vcoins.
I use all venues to some extent.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
90% of my purchases are from Ebay and I have done very well.
I don't return the dogs I buy on Ebay .
If I profit on 80% of my purchases and break even or lose on 20%, I'm still way ahead at the end of the year.
If only my stock portfolio was as good as Ebay.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
I rarely buy coins on ebay... very rarely, but have had good results on those few. I used to buy more back in the late '90's..... got some real good coins then. I do buy here - the BST and offers I have received via PM. I used to buy at shows - usually found the prices to be a tad higher, but workable. No coin shops here. Cheers, RickO
I prefer dealing with a dealer directly. GC preferred auction service. Love going to shows even when I know I'm not likely to fill a hole. Getting to know dealers is half the fun of the shows. Many wonderful professional dealers out there.